Son of a Butcher Steakhouse: An Evening of Connection and Culinary Opulence

The life of the Road warrior can be isolating. For many, solace is found in the monotony of room service or the anonymity of a hotel bar. For me, unwinding comes in the form of an exquisite dining experience, whether alone or with company—whether it be colleagues, friends, or even the serendipitous strangers that so often become new companions. Tonight, at Son of a Butcher Steakhouse, was no exception.

Linda Hansen, an automotive trainer I’ve long known through LinkedIn, happened to comment on one of my posts recently. I recalled that she lived nearby, and with the spontaneity that often accompanies a life on the road, dinner plans were swiftly arranged. The evening before, I had dined with five friends—individuals who had been complete strangers only months ago when I wandered into a restaurant in Kentucky. These are the experiences that give shape to my journeys: chance encounters evolving into friendships, seasoned with memorable meals.

My dealer had suggested Son of a Butcher, a steakhouse in a neighboring town. From the outside, it appeared fairly ordinary, with no hint of the surprises within. But the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the arresting art deco flair, a space that was both eclectic and grand. It was immediately clear that this was no ordinary steakhouse, but rather a sanctuary for the discerning diner. Everything—the furnishings, the artwork, the sheer scale—indicated that we were in for an evening of indulgence and sophistication.

And so began our three-hour culinary journey...

The evening opened with a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade—an understated yet definitive marker of a restaurant that goes the extra mile for its guests. This small gesture set the tone for the impeccable service to come.

Our server, Hannah, was exemplary in every way. She struck the perfect balance: offering thoughtful recommendations while allowing us ample space to relax and connect. Her presence was never intrusive, yet we felt entirely cared for throughout the evening.

The starters arrived, and the meal commenced with a beautifully assembled charcuterie board paired with artisan breads. Every bite was an introduction to the care and craftsmanship that permeated the kitchen. Then, there were the diver scallops, elegantly placed atop a corn br?lée—delicate and masterfully done.

The salad, a baby wedge, was anything but petite in flavor or presentation. Crisp and vibrant, it was a welcome interlude before the main event: the A5 Japanese Wagyu Filet. This was no ordinary cut of beef. It arrived at a perfect medium-rare, each thin slice boasting a tenderness and flavor that bordered on the transcendent. Wagyu of this caliber belongs on every epicurean’s bucket list—a truly exquisite indulgence that leaves an indelible impression.

Check out the 6 Oz Japanese A5 Wagyu prior to cooking here.

As a side, the sweet corn cream crème br?lée was a revelation. If you’ve never thought of corn as luxurious, this dish will change your mind—and perhaps, your life. It was both unexpected and utterly divine.

Dessert, though, took us into a realm of pure imagination. A rich Black Forest Cake arrived in crumbles, accompanied by a chocolate tree fashioned to resemble a bonsai, its delicate leaves spun from cotton candy. The artistry was breathtaking, yet the flavors never took a backseat to the spectacle. Alongside another unnamed but equally delectable chocolate confection, we were nearly overwhelmed by the sensory overload—each bite a sweet crescendo to our evening, capped with a perfectly made cappuccino.

As travelers, we lead busy lives, forging connections and building networks of professionals across the country. But rarely do we take the time to sit down with those connections and see them beyond the screen, to meet them as people rather than just profiles. This dinner was a reminder of the importance of those moments—of peeling back the layers and deepening relationships over good food and meaningful conversation.

Thank you, Linda, for taking the time to sit with me and share this remarkable evening. You’ve shown, once again, that life’s richness is not just in the meals we eat, but in the people, we meet along the way.

As my wife Paulette Meijer often says, “Life is about the people you meet along the way.” Tonight, that sentiment was proven true once more.